MBA5212 - MBA 2 - 2019

Topic 1: Design thinking

The success of practising managers in designing and delivering project to outcomes is a critical factor in their career success. Design thinking applies the skills and strategies developed by designers to a wide range of problems and situations. These include a range of conceptual and communication approaches, ways to explore and reconsider the context in whch work is undertaken, as well as what should or could be achieved. Design thinking brings together several approaches known in the sciences and humanities, such as analysis and synthesis, but applies them in ways that are particular to a design approach. Design thinking can enable a more flexible approach to problem solving, and a more nuanced engagement with the complex issues of our contemporary world. Formal project management models and competencies will also be explored. The pedagogy will include a range of cases and applications.

Topic 2: Commercialisation of technology

The rapid rate of technological change in a knowledge-based society highlights the need for advanced technological capability, innovative thinking and practice and entrepreneurial capability. For management students, a sound understanding of the application of science and engineering technologies to social and economic problems, and the knowledge and capability to contribute to the commercialisation of technological innovations is necessary to function in sophisticated, technology-led business environments. The unit draws on the expertise and experience of colleagues in a range of university faculties to provide an overview of technology development and commercialisation in fields such as life sciences, medical devices, information systems, energy, materials science and nanotechnology.

Topic 3: Business finance

Business finance introduces the resourcing theories and practices that contribute to the sustainable, strategic management of organisations. The unit takes a value-impacting approach to interrated issues of investment, financing, budgeting and operations. Drawing on cross-disciplinary perspectives, Business finance develops frameworks for analysis and decision-making of relevance to executives and managers in contemporary organisations including start-up venture-financing. The unit examines how financial and economic information is used to gain forward intelligence on the ability of the organisation to create sustainable value. An experiential, practice-based pedagogy is adopted.

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. integrate knowledge from the three topics to apply the methods of design thinking to create strategies for an organisation or industry
2. integrate knowledge from the three topics to evaluate the commercialisation of technology process in an industry or organisation and develop recommendations
3. integrate knowledge from the three topics to evaluate an organisation's financial strategy and develop recommendations.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average six/eight hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information